The EcoIMPACT Project launch to help combat Climate Change

September 1, 2023

In an effort to help reach the Paris climate goals, qZERO is joining forces with international partners, leading ESG experts from The University of Exeter, and the SETsquared Partnership, a top business incubator. This partnership has sparked the EcoIMPACT project, aiming to change the way we shop online.

This project puts shoppers in a key position, enabling them to support sustainable business practices with their buying choices. This way, consumers can make a direct, transparent, and proactive impact, encouraging producers, brands, and wholesalers to adopt more sustainable operations. The consumer's role is becoming crucial in fighting the Climate Change Crisis.

Understanding the Climate Change Crisis

Climate change is a pressing global issue, evident in rising temperatures, extreme weather, melting ice caps, and biodiversity loss. But what exactly is climate change, and why is it a critical concern?

Traditionally, climate change has shaped Earth's environment over millennia. However, the current rate of change, mostly due to human actions, is unlike anything before. The increase in greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, mainly from burning fossil fuels, is causing Earth's temperature to rise, leading to various environmental and social consequences.

Scientists use climate models to predict future changes and understand how our climate system works, helping us find ways to lessen and adapt to these changes.

Causes of Climate Change

Throughout Earth's history, climate change has occurred naturally. Yet, human activities have drastically accelerated this process. The primary cause is the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon dioxide releases.

Deforestation also contributes significantly to climate change. Trees, natural carbon absorbers, are being cut down at alarming rates, reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb CO2 and exacerbating greenhouse gas concentrations.

Furthermore, industrial processes, agriculture, and livestock production release other potent greenhouse gases, amplifying the greenhouse effect and contributing further to climate change.

Impacts of Climate Change

The consequences of climate change are increasingly evident and expected to worsen. A notable impact is the global temperature rise, with an average increase of about 1 degree Celsius since the industrial revolution. This warming leads to ice cap and glacier melting, causing sea levels to rise and putting coastal communities at risk. Small island nations are especially vulnerable.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, causing destruction, economic loss, and posing health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. Climate change also affects ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to habitat loss, shifts in natural ranges, and even species extinction. Coral reefs are among the ecosystems most at risk.

The IPCC 2018 report on 1.5 °C global warming underscores the dire need for action, with 2022 data calling for accelerated progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to curb climate change.

Climate Change and Global Warming: Understanding the Difference

While often used interchangeably, climate change and global warming are not identical. Global warming specifically refers to the rise in Earth's average temperature over time and is a symptom of the broader spectrum of environmental changes that constitute climate change.

The primary cause of global warming is the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap more heat and lead to a temperature rise. However, climate change encompasses a wider range of interconnected effects, extending beyond mere temperature increases.

Impacts of climate change include alterations in precipitation patterns, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and shifts in ecosystems. Grasping the distinction between climate change and global warming is essential to understand the issue's complexity and the diverse approaches required for effective mitigation.

The Role of Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are crucial in regulating Earth's temperature and maintaining a liveable climate. They act like a thermal blanket, trapping solar heat and preventing it from escaping into space. Without them, our planet would be inhospitably cold.

However, human activities have upset this balance by releasing excessive greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary contributor to global warming, accounting for about three-quarters of the warming effect. Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) also play significant roles and have a higher warming potential than CO2.

The burning of fossil fuels is the major source of CO2 emissions, while methane emissions largely arise from agricultural practices and the fossil fuel industry. Nitrous oxide emissions are primarily from agriculture and industrial activities.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key to mitigating climate change and curbing global warming. Strategies include transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Climate Change Solutions

Tackling climate change demands a unified effort from individuals, governments, businesses, and international bodies. Mitigation strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change. These include adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, sustainable transport promotion, and implementing policies for emission reduction.

Adaptation strategies focus on managing the impacts of climate change and building resilience. This involves developing climate-resilient infrastructure, establishing early warning systems for extreme weather, and incorporating climate considerations into urban planning and land management.

Technology plays a pivotal role in climate change solutions, with advancements in renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture presenting significant potential for emission reduction and a transition to a low-carbon economy.

Individual Actions to Combat Climate Change

Individuals can significantly contribute to combating climate change through daily actions and lifestyle choices. These include:

• Conserving energy at home, such as turning off unused lights and appliances, using energy-efficient devices, and considering solar panel installation.
• Minimising water waste by repairing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient fixtures.
• Opting for sustainable transport like walking, cycling, or public transit. For car users, electric or hybrid vehicles are a greener choice.
• Adopting a plant-based diet and reducing food waste, as animal agriculture is a major greenhouse gas emitter. Less food waste also conserves resources and reduces landfill methane emissions.
• Supporting renewable energy and sustainability-focused companies. This could involve switching to a green energy provider or investing in community solar projects.
• Choosing sustainable businesses for shopping, favouring goods and services produced sustainably.
• Staying informed about climate change and spreading awareness to inspire collective action.

The Importance of International Cooperation

Climate change is a global issue requiring a worldwide response. International cooperation is essential for knowledge and resource sharing and effective climate change management.

The The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and The Paris Agreement are key platforms for global climate action. These agreements highlight the importance of individual country commitments and promote transparency and accountability in climate action.

International collaboration accelerates the shift to a low-carbon economy and sustainable development, sharing technological advancements, supporting capacity-building in developing countries, and providing financial assistance to vulnerable nations.

Addressing climate change also offers economic growth and job creation opportunities. Investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable practices can stimulate innovation and build a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Debunking Climate Change Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

1. Myth: Climate change is merely a natural cycle. Fact: While climate change has occurred naturally in the past, the rapid changes we're witnessing today are predominantly driven by human activities.

2. Myth: The Earth's climate has always been in flux, so there's no cause for concern. Fact: Although climate change is a natural phenomenon, the current rate of change is unparalleled and primarily attributed to human actions. This rapid change poses significant threats to ecosystems and societies worldwide.

3. Myth: Climate models are unreliable and cannot accurately predict future changes. Fact: Climate models are underpinned by extensive scientific research and data. While predicting future climate scenarios involves some uncertainty, these models offer crucial insights and guide informed decision-making.

4. Myth: Climate change won't personally affect me; it's a distant issue. Fact: Climate change impacts everyone, regardless of location or status. Its effects are manifested through altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme events, and disruptions to ecosystems and food supplies.

5. Myth: Individual efforts are futile in addressing climate change. Fact: While global action is essential, individual contributions are also significant. Making sustainable choices in daily life and advocating for change can collectively drive substantial progress towards a more sustainable future.

Uniting to Combat Climate Change

Climate change presents an urgent and complex environmental challenge, necessitating prompt action at all levels. A deep understanding of the science behind climate change, its causes, and consequences is vital to grasp the severity of the crisis and the need for both mitigation and adaptation.

Combating climate change requires a joint effort, encompassing sustainable choices by individuals and policy implementation by governments to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy. International cooperation is crucial in pooling knowledge and resources to effectively tackle this global phenomenon.

By actively participating, spreading awareness, and supporting climate-positive policies, we can contribute to forging a more sustainable, resilient future for ourselves and future generations. Together, our collective actions can make a significant impact in addressing this pressing global challenge.